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ERIC BANA AND NATALIE PORTMAN SET FOR HENRY VIII FLICK

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23 JUNE 2006

On the face of it, Prince Hector of Troy and Princess Amadala of Naboo might seem an unlikely pairing, but it appears the two will soon be united in a historic romance. It's unlikely the love affair will have a happy ending, though, as Aussie hunk Eric Bana and Star Wars actress Natalie Portman will be starring in a movie about the relationship between King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

Needless to say, Eric, who has been widely acclaimed for his charismatic performances in movies like Munich and the aforementioned Troy, will take on the role of the Tudor king. Natalie, who was born in Jerusalem, will meanwhile stick her neck out by playing the legendary monarch's second wife, who was famously executed on charges of adultery.

While some movie critics have raised doubts about the wisdom of having an Australian and an Israeli play two of British history's most iconic figures, there can be little doubt they are among the most talented actors of their generation. And it seems unlikely there will be any questions raised about the decision to cast one of the UK's most revered performers in the role of America's greatest thesp.

According to newspaper reports, Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins is currently bulking up to play silver screen legend Marlon Brando. The Welsh actor will portray the Streetcar Named Desire star in his later years, while Reese Witherspoon's husband Ryan Phillippe is apparently being lined up to play him in his youth.